The Rugby Union Players' Association described the axing as the "darkest day in the history of Australian Rugby".

The players' representative body was pushing for five Australian teams to continue in the competition.

"Today's is the darkest day in the history of Australian Rugby with the custodian of the game confirming their desire to end the tenure of the Western Force and abandoning the game's national footprint," said RUPA chief executive Ross Xenos in a statement.

He said RUPA would support players affected by the decision.

"RUPA will do whatever it takes to ensure that players' contractual rights are honoured and no player is unfairly disadvantaged by the ARU's decision."